Emergency Medicine Cases

FEBRUARY 28, 2023

Jesse McLaren on when to consider Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD), which patients are at risk for reocclusion, and the challenges of diagnosing SCAD in patients who have nonischemic ECGs despite silent occlusion, occlusions perfused by collaterals, or from non-occlusive MI on this ECG Cases.

Coronary 130

Coronary OR ACS STEMI 130

Core EM

JULY 23, 2024

EKG Show Details EKG Characteristics Rate 54 Rhythm Sinus Bradycardia Intervals Normal PR, QRS, QT Intervals Axis Normal ST Segments ST Depression in Leads V2-V6 Diagnosis Diagnosis: Posterior STEMI Questions What is the next test that should be obtained in the management of this patient? Sources Burns, E., Cadogan, M., & Cadogan, E.

STEMI 173

STEMI Coronary Emergency Department OR 173

REBEL EM

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023

Background: Primary PCI is the recommended reperfusion strategy in patients with STEMI and should be initiated within 2 hours after first medical contact. STREAM-2: Half-Dose Tenecteplase or Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Older Patients With ST-Segment-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Randomized, Open-Label Trial.

STEMI 138

STEMI Allergic Reaction Coronary Ambulance 138

The Skeptics' Guide to EM

NOVEMBER 25, 2023

Delayed First Medical Contact to Reperfusion Time Increases Mortality in Rural EMS Patients with STEMI. Delayed First Medical Contact to Reperfusion Time Increases Mortality in Rural EMS Patients with STEMI. We looked at 101 STEMI patients from two rural EDs. Date: November 22, 2023 Reference: Stopyra et al. AEM November 2023.

Heart Attack 278

Heart Attack STEMI Emergency Medical Services Coronary 278

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 7, 2024

So while there’s no diagnostic STEMI criteria, there are multiple ischemic abnormalities in 11/12 leads involving QRS, ST and T waves, which are diagnostic of a proximal LAD occlusion. First trop was 7,000ng/L (normal 25% of ‘Non-STEMI’ patients with delayed angiography have the exact same pathology of acute coronary occlusion.

STEMI 66

STEMI Coronary ALS OR 66

Emergency Medicine Cases

MARCH 10, 2020

10 patients presented with the "STEMI-equivalent" ST elevation in aVR with diffuse ST depression. Which had acute coronary occlusion? The post ECG cases 7: ST elevation in aVR, STEMI-equivalent? Jesse McLaren guides us through the differential diagnosis of ST elevation in aVR with diffuse ST depression in this ECG Cases blog.

STEMI 130

STEMI Coronary EMS 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024

Here is his ED ECG at triage: Obvious high lateral OMI that does not quite meet STEMI criteria. Compensatory enlargement was defined as being present when the total coronary arterial cross-sectional area at the stenotic site was greater than that at the proximal nonstenotic site. He was started on nitro gtt.

Coronary 115

Coronary ACS OR EMR 115

Emergency Medicine Cases

DECEMBER 16, 2019

Which had acute coronary occlusion? The post ECG Cases 4: Lateral STEMI or Occlusion MI? In this ECG Cases blog we look at seven patients with potentially ischemic symptoms and subtle ECG changes in the lateral leads. Introducing the concept of Occlusion MI - a paradigm shift in ECG diagnosis of MI.

STEMI 130

STEMI OR Coronary 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 27, 2024

The cath lab was deactivated by cardiologist on arrival at ED because it was "not a STEMI". Initial 4th generation troponin I was 10 ng/mL is consistent with large MI due to acute coronary occlusion (OMI). There are moderate coronary artery calcifications. Pain was decreased to 2/10. CT Angio Chest IMPRESSION 1.

STEMI 116

STEMI ED Coronary EMS 116

ACEP Now

DECEMBER 11, 2023

Many conditions outside of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mimic ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), but only a handful of cases have reported ST-elevations (STE) in the setting of pancreatic inflammation where underlying ACS was excluded. Mimics of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Accessed November 29, 2023.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary ACS Critical Care 52

Core EM

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

EKG Show Details EKG Characteristics Rate 54 Rhythm Sinus Bradycardia Intervals Normal PR, QRS, QT Intervals Axis Normal ST Segments ST Depression in Leads V2-V6 Diagnosis Diagnosis: Posterior STEMI Questions What is the next test that should be obtained in the management of this patient? Sources Burns, E., Cadogan, M., & Cadogan, E.

STEMI 130

STEMI Coronary Emergency Department OR 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 31, 2024

But it does not meet the ridiculous "STEMI criteria" since there is not 1 mm of STE in any lead. Perhaps the highly unusual initial rhythm in today's case was simply the result of SA nodal ischemia that resolved following coronary reperfusion. So this is acute OMI. What does the Queen of Hearts say? (Dr.

STEMI 103

STEMI Coronary 103

Core EM

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

The Case A 62-year-old male with a history of Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Coronary Artery Disease with stents, Pulmonary Embolism on Eliquis, presents with sudden onset, severe, mid-sternal chest pain that started 15 minutes prior to arrival. Serial ECG's should be obtained to assess for evolution to acute STEMI.

Coronary 130

Coronary STEMI ED 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

DECEMBER 22, 2022

Smith , d and Muzaffer Değertekin a DIFOCCULT: DIagnostic accuracy oF electrocardiogram for acute coronary OCClUsion resuLTing in myocardial infarction. Coronary arteries cannot be assessed because the scan was not gated, but proximal segments of the coronary arteries seem to be open with some contrast. Again nothing diagnostic.

STEMI 52

STEMI EMR Coronary OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 18, 2024

I sent this to the Queen of Hearts So the ECG is both STEMI negative and has no subtle diagnostic signs of occlusion. Similarly, if a patient with known CAD presents with refractory ischemic chest pain, the ECG barely matters: the pre-test likelihood of acute coronary occlusion is so high that they need an emergent angiogram.

STEMI 117

STEMI Coronary ALS CAD 117

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 27, 2024

The ECG did not meet STEMI criteria, and the final cardiology interpretation was “ST and T wave abnormality, consider anterior ischemia”. There’s only minimal ST elevation in III, which does not meet STEMI criteria of 1mm in two contiguous leads. But STEMI criteria is only 43% sensitive for OMI.[1]

STEMI 118

STEMI Coronary ALS Emergency Department 118

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 7, 2024

Obvious infero-postero-lateral STEMI(+)OMI, regardless of context Now let’s put them in order: what was the sequence? When the pain recurred the ECG normalized(ECG#2), but this is pseudonormalization : the coronary artery has spontaneously reoccluded, and the T waves are on their way up. What was the outcome and final diagnosis?

STEMI 96

STEMI Coronary OR EMS 96

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

APRIL 4, 2023

This patient could have very easily been overlooked, both because the ECG was STEMI negative and because the Q waves were attributed to an “old infarct”. Fortunately, Dr. Cho was not looking for STEMI ECG criteria but for an acute coronary occlusion. OMI or STEMI? As cardiology documented, “possible STEMI.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary OR ACS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 19, 2023

This ECG was read as “No STEMI” with no prior available for comparison. It is true this ECG does not meet STEMI criteria (there is 1.0 The patient has also developed sinus bradycardia, which may result from right coronary artery ischemia to the SA node. Instead we discussed 5 minute delays for the STEMI(+) OMI patients.

STEMI 52

STEMI ACS Coronary Defibrillator 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 13, 2023

There’s inferior ST depression which is reciprocal to subtle lateral convex ST elevation, and the precordial T waves are subtly hyperacute – all concerning for STEMI(-)OMI of proximal LAD. There’s ST elevation I/aVL/V2 that meet STEMI criteria. This is obvious STEMI(+)OMI of proximal LAD. Non-STEMI or STEMI(-)OMI?

STEMI 52

STEMI Paramedic Coronary ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

NOVEMBER 27, 2023

But do they represent acute coronary occlusion? But coronaries were normal, and serial high sensitivity troponin was undetectable. Based on ECG changes and echo findings, the patient was diagnosed as coronary vasospasm. Formal echo showed EF 55% with mild inferolateral hypokinesis without any prior for comparison.

STEMI 88

STEMI Coronary OR ED 88

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 31, 2023

Cath lab declined as it is not a STEMI." And now this finding is even formally endorsed as a "STEMI equivalent" in the 2022 ACC guidelines!!! Another myocardial wall is sacrificed at the altar of the STEMI/NonSTEMI mindset. Do NOT give it unless you are committed to the cath lab!! Cath attending is aware. It is a mass delusion.

STEMI 81

STEMI Coronary ACS OR 81

ECG & Echo Learning

MARCH 8, 2023

Management must, however, be individualized with respect to the delay to coronary angiography (PCI). TIMI Risk Scores for NSTE-ACS (NSTEMI, UA) and STE-ACS ( STEMI ) can be calculated below. All patients with NSTE-ACS ( NSTEMI or unstable angina) are treated similarly with respect to anti-ischemic and anti-thrombotic drugs.

STEMI 40

STEMI E-9-1-1 ACS Coronary 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

MAY 10, 2023

A CT Coronary angiogram was ordered. Here are the results: --Minimally obstructive coronary artery disease. --LAD Although a lesion is not visible anatomically on this CT scan, coronary catheter angiography could be considered based on Cardiology evaluation." Transient STEMI is at high risk of re-occlusion.

Coronary 52

Coronary STEMI CAD OR 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JULY 31, 2020

Their OMI Manifesto details how use of standard STEMI criteria results in an unacceptable level of inaccuracy, in which an estimated 25-30% of acute coronary occlusions are missed! The article by Aslanger, Smith et al that is featured above in today’s post has just been published.

STEMI 52

STEMI Coronary EMR ALS 52

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

AUGUST 11, 2024

While STEMI negative, the ECG is diagnostic of proximal LAD occlusion. Transient STEMI” are often managed like non-STEMI with delayed angiography, which is very risky. This case is an example of the steps we can all take in daily practice as the paradigm shifts from STEMI to OMI.

STEMI 74

STEMI Paramedic Coronary EMS 74

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Posterior leads are unnecessary if anterior leads are diagnostic According to the STEMI paradigm an ECG has to have ST elevation to diagnose acute coronary occlusion, and if there’s no ST elevation on anterior leads you can look for it on posterior leads. Do you need posterior leads? If so, how will they change management?

STEMI 111

STEMI ACS Coronary OR 111

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

SEPTEMBER 29, 2024

This certainly looks like an anterior STEMI (proximal LAD occlusion), with STE and hyperacute T-waves (HATW) in V2-V6 and I and aVL. How do you explain the anterior STEMI(+)OMI immediately after ROSC evolving into posterior OMI 30 minutes later? This caused a type 2 anterior STEMI.

STEMI 80

STEMI Coronary Defibrillator OR 80

ECG & Echo Learning

JANUARY 18, 2023

This page summarises the most current recommendations for the management of acute coronary syndromes with persistent ST-segment elevations (i.e STEMI , ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction ). I B Ambulance personnel must be trained and equipped to identify STEMI and administer fibrinolysis if necessary.

STEMI 40

STEMI Coronary OR Defibrillator 40

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 15, 2024

A prehospital “STEMI” activation was called on a 75 year old male ( Patient 1 ) with a history of hyperlipidemia and LAD and Cx OMI with stent placement. Additionally, his cardiac telemetry monitor showed runs of accelerated idioventricular rhythm, a benign arrhythmia often associated with coronary reperfusion.

OR 106

OR STEMI Coronary ED 106

Emergency Medicine Cases

SEPTEMBER 15, 2020

LVH produces secondary repolarization abnormalities that can mimic STEMI. Which had an acute coronary occlusion? Signs of occlusion MI in patients with LVH include: new Q waves/loss of R waves, disproportionate and dynamic ST elevation (or ST depression from posterior MI), and hyperacute T waves.

STEMI 130

STEMI Coronary OR EMS 130

ACEP Now

APRIL 4, 2024

This patient had known coronary artery disease (CAD), and previously required drug eluting stents to the obtuse marginal and diagonal arteries. Figure 1: EKG for Dextrocardia showing STEMI. The second EKG was concerning for STEMI in the precordial leads (see figure 1). Click to enlarge.) 1 It has a prevalence of 0.01

Coronary 40

Coronary STEMI CAD Emergency Department 40

EMS 12-Lead

MARCH 19, 2023

He denied any known medical history, specifically: coronary artery disease, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, heart failure, myocardial infarction, or any prior PCI/stent. It doesn’t meet any conventional STEMI criteria, but there is patently obvious increased area under the curve. Breath sounds were clear in all lung fields.

Coronary 130

Coronary STEMI Paramedic Defibrillator 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

OCTOBER 22, 2024

"Unfortunately, the cardiologist waited until the next day to refer the patient for angiography and intervention because patient did not meet criteria for "STEMI"." The coronary angiography showed a 100% ostial main (obtuse) marginal occlusion!" Dominant right coronary, atherosclerotic and calcified. Peak troponin: 128,000 ng/L.

Coronary 66

Coronary STEMI OR ALS 66

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JANUARY 27, 2024

Old ‘NSTEMI’ A history of coronary artery disease and a stent to the same territory further increases pre-test likelihood of acute coronary occlusion, including in-stent thrombosis. So this NSTEMI was likely a STEMI(-)OMI with delayed reperfusion. Fortunately the patient did not reocclude while awaiting the angiogram.

STEMI 101

STEMI Coronary ACS ED 101

EMS 12-Lead

AUGUST 14, 2022

A second 12 Lead ECG was recorded: This is a testament to the dynamic nature of coronary thrombosis and thrombolysis. Here the ST segments are not so deep, nor are the T waves so wide and bulky, because of improved coronary flow at the level of the occlusion. it has been subsequently deemed a STEMI-equivalent.

MICU 130

MICU STEMI CAD Coronary 130

Dr. Smith's ECG Blog

JUNE 27, 2024

The proof of this is that only 5% of patients enrolled had acute coronary occlusion. COACT: The COACT trial was fatally flawed, and because of it, many cardiologists are convinced that if there are no STEMI criteria, the patient does not need to go to the cath lab. This study failed to do so. 5% vs. 58%!!

Defibrillator 91

Defibrillator STEMI Coronary ALS 91